FREE WORKSHOP ALERT

In the competitive world of business, securing every possible advantage is critical for growth and success. For small businesses in Virginia, the Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned Business (SWaM) Certification provides a unique opportunity to stand out, access lucrative State and city government contracts, and build strong networks in the public and private sectors.

Small business owners who are looking to participate in Virginia’s specialized procurement and contracting opportunities are encouraged to become SWaM certified. The SWaM certification is a vehicle to promote economic growth of Virginia’s businesses. Becoming SWaM certified is just the first step in doing business with the Commonwealth. Each year the state buys goods and services totaling more than $8 billion. The Commonwealth of Virginia wants to do business with you and increase participation of small, women owned, and minority-owned businesses.

This workshop will cover the SWaM Program and certification/designation types, on-line application process, required documents needed to apply, and how to use the certification to do business with the Commonwealth (intro to eVA, Virginia’s Online Procurement Portal).  Feel free to bring your laptop. 

What is SWaM Certification?
SWaM certification is a designation provided by the Commonwealth of Virginia, designed to promote economic opportunities for small businesses, women-owned businesses, and minority-owned businesses. This program connects these businesses to a wide array of state-funded procurement opportunities.

Why is SWaM Certification Important?
1. Access to State Contracts
   Virginia spends billions annually on goods and services. A portion of this spending is allocated specifically for SWaM-certified businesses. Certification opens the door to these       opportunities, giving your business a competitive edge.

2. Enhanced Visibility  
   Being listed in the SWaM database makes it easier for government agencies and larger companies to find and partner with your business. Many organizations actively seek           SWaM-certified vendors to meet their diversity and inclusion goals.

3. Networking Opportunities
   SWaM certification allows you to attend specialized networking events, workshops, and expos. These platforms are designed to connect you with key decision-makers and           industry leaders, offering a direct route to new partnerships.

4. Strengthened Credibility
   The SWaM designation is more than just a certification; it’s a statement of trustworthiness and capability. It signals to potential clients and partners that your business meets           rigorous state standards, enhancing your reputation in the market.

5. Support for Growth
   Certified businesses gain access to training programs, mentoring, and resources aimed at helping them scale and compete effectively in larger markets.

Who Should Get SWaM Certified?
Any small business in Virginia that qualifies as small, women-owned, or minority-owned should consider applying for SWaM certification. Whether you are a startup or an established enterprise, this certification can amplify your growth potential.  For Virginia small businesses, SWaM certification is more than a credential; it’s a gateway to new opportunities. By leveraging the program, you can unlock contracts, enhance your visibility, and establish a foothold in a highly competitive marketplace. Don't miss the chance to grow your business—start your SWaM certification journey today and position your business for long-term success.

Want to share with your network? Download the Launch Loudoun SWaM event digital flyer.

Presented by Chris Ley, Business Services Manager, Northern Virginia Region. 

Register using THIS LINK.

Speaker: Attorney David Ludwig focus on civil litigation in the areas of patent, trademark, copyright, internet / domain names, commercial transactions, government contracts, community associations, and bankruptcy law / creditors’ rights, as well as trademark and copyright prosecution, and corporate and small business law. He is co-chair of the firm’s litigation group, supervising several lawyers, and he has served as an attorney for local and national clients in federal and state court litigation and arbitration matters, as well as in bankruptcy proceedings, TTAB disputes (trademark Notice of Opposition and trademark Petition to Cancel proceedings), domain name disputes (ACPA, UDRP, and URS proceedings), government contract bid protests and Tucker Act litigation, and numerous other forums and proceedings.

David Ludwig has represented manufacturing companies in complex patent infringement matters, technology companies in trademark infringement matters, and copyright holders in infringement actions against the likes of Disney and ABC. In 2012, David made new law in Virginia by successfully arguing to the Virginia Supreme Court that a prevailing homeowner is entitled to recover attorneys’ fees in a claim against a Homeowners Association that has violated the provisions of its own governing documents.

David attended law school at The George Washington University Law School where he served as a student teacher of legal research and writing and an articles editor for the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) Quarterly Journal. Prior to joining the firm, David worked for a boutique D.C. firm that specialized in litigation and legislative policy work in the areas of copyright and constitutional law.

Currently, in addition to his work with the firm, David also serves on the Board of Directors of Every Citizen Has Opportunities, Inc., a non-profit that provides comprehensive, individualized employment, vocational training, and community integration opportunities for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. David is a LegalZoom “Advantage” Attorney who provides LegalZoom.com visitors with insightful answers to their business-related legal questions and concerns. David is also an adjunct professor of scholarly writing at The George Washington University Law School, working with intellectual property law students that are writing scholarly articles for publication, he sits on the editorial Board of the AIPLA Quarterly Journal, and he regularly speaks and conducts seminars on internet, trademark, intellectual property, litigation, and creditors’ rights issues.

The December Lunch and Learn will be held at the Brambleton Library, meeting room A.